How Edo Council Chairmen Remitted N800m to PDP Leaders Every Month – Gov Okpebholo

By Reporter

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has defended the suspension of Edo Local Government Council Chairmen, insisting that they have become ‘piggy banks’ for leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.

The governor who gave details of the findings that led to their suspension, cited their inability to explain the purpose of contributing N800m monthly allegedly to PDP leaders

The governor who spoke during a meeting with acting local government chairmen at the Government House in Benin City, the state capital, vowed to support the acting chairmen whose elected chairmen were recently impeached by members of their legislative arms.

He assured the acting chairmen of his support, and expressed confidence that they were capable of delivering service that would ensure grassroots development.

“When I came into the office, I had a meeting with the Accountant-General, and he showed me some books. Some of these spending had no explanation.

“I picked interest in some of the spending because I saw an item which was tagged ‘Environmental security funding.’

“I have never heard of that before, and the amount involved was huge, N800 million every month. These Chairmen were contributing this money and gave it to leaders of a party.” Okpebholo narrated.

He added that the discovery led to a meeting with the former Chairmen were they were asked to explain the disbursement of funds to ‘Environmental Security funding’, but they could not.

“I invited the Chairmen but could not meet with them, but my Deputy met with them. He asked them to explain certain spending, but none could explain.

“He asked them to provide their books, and they agreed and said they would in 24 hours, but the Deputy said no, Iet it be in 48 hours.

“But these Chairmen didn’t obey the instructions in two weeks as none of them submitted their books.

“Following the development, I sent a letter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to look into their records.

“As a former parliamentarian, I know there is a body that has a function over them, so I sent a letter to Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) and they were invited and they refused to come and they were suspended for two months”, Okpebholo said.

“Even when our schools did not have teachers. When you get to primary schools, you find two or three teachers, where you are supposed to have 10 to 12 teachers.

“I want to thank you because the narrative has been changed by you people as what you have done is not out of the law.

“Impeaching somebody who is corrupt, who has used the local funds for his personal gain is not wrong. I recognize you as my Chairmen.

“The only way to drive development to the grassroots is through you. The President also recognized the local government and advised Governors.

“You have the full power as local government chairmen. The local government Commission will cooperate with you to ensure you succeed in your duties to serve the grassroots people.

“The money that belongs to the local government. It does not belong to you but the grassroots. So, go and work with the resources,” Okpebholo advised.

Read Also: Edo LG Chairmen, Vice Chairmen Remain Suspended – Edo Panel of Inquiry